SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Tuesday that terrorist recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir has dropped to zero, with no terrorist commanders remaining active in the region.
In an interview with national news network, LG Sinha emphasized the security forces’ clear policy: “Protect the innocent, punish the guilty.”
Addressing concerns over terrorist activity shifting to Jammu, he remarked, “Jammu was never a major challenge, but external forces attempted to destabilize it. However, we are fully prepared to uphold peace.” He praised Jammu’s residents as patriotic citizens who reject extremism.
Crackdown on Terror Networks
Regarding the elimination of terror sympathizers, LG Sinha declared, “We are dismantling the terror ecosystem.” He revealed that 76 government employees had been dismissed for links to terrorism, a step he credited for helping restore stability.
He also commended the enhanced coordination among security forces, which had significantly curbed terrorism.
“No More Shutdowns—Only Growth”
On Kashmir’s economic and cultural revival, LG Sinha noted that:
- Bollywood films have resumed shooting, and cinema halls reopened after 32 years
- The successful G20 summit led to a surge in foreign tourists
- International cricket events, including the Legends League, have been introduced
- The region has moved from a “shutdown calendar” to a “business calendar
- Stone-pelting is a thing of the past, and for the first time in 35 years, Muharram processions were peacefully held
“J&K and the Centre Are on the Same Page”
Addressing rumors of differences between the Chief Minister and his administration, LG Sinha clarified, “We are united in our vision for J&K’s development.”
He reassured citizens that both the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have reaffirmed the promise of restoring statehood.
Rapid Infrastructure Growth
Highlighting record-breaking development, LG Sinha stated:
- J&K’s economy grew by 9.5%, with wasteful expenditure minimised
- The J&K Police has been instrumental in restoring security
- 92,000 projects were completed last year, and for the first time in 35 years, election campaigns continued until 11 PM
- Travel time between Jammu and Srinagar has been cut to four hours
- The Zojila Tunnel will be completed by 2026, and new railway connectivity will soon be inaugurated by PM Modi
- Air travel has expanded, with 126 daily flights from Srinagar
- Digital connectivity now covers most of J&K, making it the top-ranked region in online services
Agriculture & Industry Drive Economic Boom
LG Sinha emphasised that 70% of J&K’s population relies on agriculture and horticulture, with 13 lakh families dependent on farming. The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) aims to double farmers’ contributions to GDP.
Record-Breaking Investments
- From 1947 to 2021, J&K received only ₹14,000 crore in investments
- Under the new industrial policy, which offers unmatched incentives, investments have surged
- ₹33,000 crore worth of industrial projects are underway, with ₹10,000 crore worth already operational
A land bank has been created to facilitate more investment
Tourism Boom & Global Exports
- 2.36 crore tourists visited J&K, setting a new record
- Many hoteliers have expanded their businesses due to increased demand
- Pashmina and carpet exports have doubled, with horticulture products now reaching the Middle East
- J&K topped the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for three years in a row
With security stabilized, businesses flourishing, and record-breaking investments, LG Sinha asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is on an irreversible path to progress.